Pelicans Shock NBA by Sweeping the Trail Blazers

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It wasn’t supposed to be this quick. Many NBA experts (including myself) saw this as a series that could swing either way, and would most definitely last 6 or 7 games. The Pelicans had other plans. Led by Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Rajon Rondo, the Pelicans took down Portland in a quick 4 games, setting themselves up for a second round against either Golden State or San Antonio (it’ll be Golden State).

Jrue Holiday was sensational against the Blazers in Round 1

Davis played like the superstar we all have known him to be, while players like Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo stepped their game up once the lights got brighter. Holiday is one of the most underappreciated two-way players in the league, and he showed why during the playoffs, locking up Damian Lillard and having scoring outbursts of 41 and 33. Rondo continues to shine in the playoffs, as he followed up his great play against the Celtics while on the Bulls in the first round last year with multiple double-doubles and a clear synergy with Davis.

Lillard has quietly been struggling recently in the playoffs the past few years

Portland has to answer a lot of questions about his future after this embarrassment of a first round. They got the 3 seed this year by getting hot at the right time, but most would say they have 7 seed talent and this regular season was a fluke. Both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum didn’t show up when it mattered. Portland has lost 7 straight playoff games and there are rumors Blazers coach Terry Stotts could be fired after another disappointing playoff run.